Have you noticed that your child excels in some subjects, but struggles in others? Maybe you hear the phrase "This is boring" or your child can't wait to work on his/her favorite subject? Probably the "boring" subjects are not being presented in your child's learning style. It is much easier and more fun to study when you understand the subject in your own learning style. Understanding your child's style will help you to personalize his/her study time and methods.
Teaching to your child's learning style will bring amazing results that are well worth the effort. The possibilities are limitless! Use your imagination, encourage your child's input, and have fun learning!
Test to determine learning style (It is very important to take the immediate or first reactions.)
- Verbally ask your child to tell you what they think when you say the word "dog"
- Depending on the age level of your child, they may picture a dog in their head or picture the shape of the word "dog" (up on the first letter, even in the middle, below on the third word). If this is their reaction - they are most likely a visual learner.
- If your child repeats the word "dog" back to you, sounds it out "d-o-g" or makes a dog noise, they are most likely an auditory learner.
- If you child visualizes a dog in motion or acts out a dog in motion, they are most likely a kinesthetic learner.
Learning Styles:
- may enjoy art and drawing
- may enjoy puzzles and mazes
- takes numerous detailed notes
- is usually "neat and clean"
- often closes their eyes to visualize/remember something
- likes to see what they are learning
- may be attracted to written or spoken language that is rich in imagery
- works best in a passive surrounding (minimal to no auditory or kinesthetic distractions)
TEACHING METHODS:
- use visual materials such as pictures, charts, maps, graphs, flash cards, etc. The child needs a clear view of you when you are speaking so he can see body language and facial expression
- use bright color to highlight points in text
- encourage your child to illustrate her ideas as a picture or brainstorming bubble before writing them down
- have your child write a story and illustrate it
- use multi-media (e.g. computers, videos, and virtual field trips)
- provide a quiet place for your child to study that is free from verbal disturbances
- have your child read illustrated books
- have your child visualize information as a picture to help memorization
- draw symbols or pictures
- visually highlight key words and pictures
- use "to do" lists and written notes for organizing their day
- print off their activities for the day and allow them to check off what is completed
- use the closed captions on the TV so that the student can see the words as well as hear them
The Auditory Learner: Learning through listening! These students learn best through verbal discussions, lectures, listening to what others have to say, and talking things out. They interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to the pitch, speed, and tone of voice, as well as other nuances. To this student, written information has little meaning until it is heard. They benefit the most from reading and hearing text aloud. They
- remember facts when presented in a poem, song or melody
- it where they can hear, but don't necessarily pay attention to what is happening in front of them
- hum or talk to themselves when they are bored
- acquire knowledge when reading aloud
- like to tell stories and jokes
TEACHING METHODS:
- have student repeat directions/information back to the learning coach
- read aloud together
- encourage student to read aloud when they are studying so they can "hear" the instructions
- write out a sequence of steps to solve then read the steps out loud
- encourage the use of books on tape
- use inflection when reading & speaking to your child, as they interpret the underlying meaning of words through tone of voice, pitch and speed
- encourage your child to discuss and debate
- ask your child to give speeches and presentations
- create musical jingles to aid memorization
- create mnemonics to aid memorization
- allow your child to discuss ideas verbally
- have your child dictate to someone while they write down his thoughts
- use verbal analogies, and story telling to demonstrate your point
Kinesthetic (physical) learners: With the physical learner teaching to your child's learning style will bring amazing results that are well worth the effort. The possibilities are limitless! Use your imagination, encourage your child's input, and have fun learning! This child
- learns best through movement and physical manipulation
- likes to find out how things work and wants to touch, feel and experience what they are asked to learn
- may have a short attention span
- prefers to be moving to learn
- shows you things rather than telling you about them
- takes frequent breaks
- speaks with their hands and gestures
- communicates by touching
- enjoys acting, drama, theater
TEACHING METHODS:
- use hands-on activities such as science/math labs as a reward
- create dramatic reproductions of historical events
- encourage educational field trips/outings
- allow the use of manipulative in any/all applicable subjects
- physically touch your child a lot to assist in keeping focus
- allow for fidget toys while working
- allow frequent study breaks Encourage your child to move around to learn new things (e.g. recite while playing basket ball, read while on a treadmill, draw or color to learn a new concept)
- let your child work at a standing position
- allow her to chew gum while studying
- use bright colors to highlight reading material
- let your child decorate his work space with pictures/posters
- allow your child to listen to music while studying
- Encourage your child to skim through reading material to get a rough idea what it is about before reading it in detail
